If there was a word to describe the view on top of Mt Kalugong, it would be ‘stunning’. Above the Valley, you’ll be able to see the wide strawberry farms, thousands of pine trees, a sneak peek of Baguio, and the humble town of La Trinidad, Benguet.
‘Kalugong’ is a local word which means ‘hat’. Mt Kalugong was named as such because the rock formations on top of the mountain make it look like a hat. When you’re down the valley, you’ll clearly see the hat shape.
Welcome Sign in Mt. Kalugong
How to Get There
From Manila
Ride a bus going to Baguio. You can either ride the Victory bus or the Genesis bus. Fare is 450 pesos for the regular bus. Travel time is around 6 hours.
From Baguio, ride a jeep going to Tomay/Camp Dangwa. Ask the driver to drop you off near the road going to Mt Kalugong. Yes, you read that right. There is a road going to the top of Mt Kalugong. If you have a car, you can drive up to the eco-park . Be careful though, the road is steep.
On the other hand, if you choose to walk/hike, just follow the road going up. Hiking takes about 30 minutes.
READ: SAGADA: Camping at Kiltepan Peak
Getting Lost
Finding the Trail in Tabangaoen
When we decided to go up the mountain, we heard that there were two routes. First is via the hiking trail in Tabangaoen and the second is the road going up in Cruz. Wanderers as we were, my friend and I chose the first option.
There were no clear directions as to where the trail was or if there were guides so we decided to ask the locals. Some of them said that the trail was closed while others said it was still open.
Filled with hope, we tried to follow some trail until we found ourselves lost in someone’s backyard. The peak was so visible that we thought we were on the right track.
Turns out, the trail to the peak was closed a long time ago. We gave up and decided to go with option 2. We rode a jeep and walked the steep road going up the mountain.
READ: Halsema Highway: Deadly and Beautiful
Mt Kalugong Eco Park
After a long sweaty walk, we finally reached the stress-free zone of Mt Kalugong. We paid the 100 pesos entrance fee. The place is so relaxing. There are swings, hammocks, and kubos built around.
You can pitch a tent, set up a picnic, or just do photo ops. You can also visit the newly opened coffee-house.
Mt. Kalugong Picnic Tables
Swing Under the Big Pine Tree
Kubo in Mt. Kalugong
Tayawan View Deck
From the Eco Park, just 3 minutes away is the Tayawan View Deck where you can see the houses and other buildings around La Trinidad.
READ: Baguio City: 15 Free Things To Do
Trail to Tayawan View Deck
Going to the view deck, you’ll pass by some rock formations.
Rock Formations
View from the Deck
Kalugong Rock Formations
The highlight of Mt Kalugong is its rock formations. Climbing it is a bit tricky, you have to find the right spot to step on, but once you’re at the top, the view will take your breath away.
READ: Where to Camp Near and Around Baguio for Less Than 250 Pesos
View from Mt. Kalugong
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Johanes is a digital nomad and a web content writer who loves to go on spontaneous travels. She also likes to go camp under the stars and play with her dog and cats.
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Hi po… Ask ko lang po kung may guide po kayo nung nagpunta po kayo or wala? May mga kasabay na rin po ba kayo sa pagpunta or solong solo nyo po yung lugar? 🙂
Hello. Wala pong guide. No need for a guide naman po. Just follow the road. Nung pumunta po kami is may isang family na nandun. Mga 5 lng po kami nun. 🙂
Hello! Safe naman po ba mag overnight on a tent dito?
Yes po. May caretaker po sila sa lugar 🙂
thanks! gaano po kalayo ang parking from the camp?
Hi. 5 mins walk po
It looks beautiful there! How long was it back from the backyard on Tabangaoen all the way back to the cruz path? Good to know it’s closed!
We walked for probably 15 minutes to get back on the road and rode a jeep for about 5 minutes to the cruz path